INTRODUCTION: Older African Americans have low levels of physical activity, which increases risk of aging-related health conditions. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of, and satisfaction with, a community-engaged physical activity intervention targeting older African Americans. METHODS: Fifty-six older African Americans were randomized to a successful aging group (SAG) or a physical activity group (PAG) for 12 weeks. The PAG consisted of two weekly group exercise sessions and two to three home-based exercise sessions per week. The SAG consisted of weekly group educational sessions related to various aspects of healthy aging. Physical activity was measured by ActiGraph accelerometers and CHAMPS in both groups and a Fitbit was continuously worn by PAG participants. RESULTS: Group session attendance was 93% and 86% in the PAG and SAG, respectively. The increase in ActiGraph-derived steps per day (1085.3 +/- 265.6 versus 34.7 +/- 274.3; p = 0.008) and daily minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (6.40 +/- 1.67 versus 1.72 +/- 1.67; d = 5.62; p = 0.02), and self-reported CHAMPS MVPA bouts (3.5 +/- 0.77 versus 0.33 +/- 0.79; p < 0.001) were significantly greater within the PAG than the SAG. ActiGraph-derived minutes of daily moderate-to-vigorous PA and steps as well as Fitbit-derived steps per day were significantly greater on days when PAG participants engaged in group sessions compared to days when they self-reported home-based exercise or no exercise (p values < 0.016). Participants in both study arms reported high levels of satisfaction (> 4 on 5 point Likert scale). CONCLUSIONS: The intervention increased physical activity, was well attended, and resulted in high satisfaction. Future studies should assess long-term sustainability in this population.

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